Latest news with #St.James'sPlace
Khaleej Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Jason O'Leary: Making financial advice plain sailing
The FTSE100 firm is experiencing strong growth in the GCC, a region drawing more internationally mobile individuals and high-net-worth expats from the UK and beyond For St. James's Place Partner and lifelong sailing enthusiast Jason O'Leary, guiding people through different life stages is just like being out on the water - having a plan, reading the conditions, adjusting the sails, and keeping a steady hand on the helm. "Navigating the world of financial planning is just like sailing," the Dubai-based financial adviser says. "It's all about getting from a starting point to a future destination, having a plan and a backup route in place, and making sure you're well set up. Sometimes it can get a bit choppy, but the end goal remains the same, so trimming the sails, making adjustments and adapting to change is what allows you to reach your financial harbour safely." Jason is part of the growing St James's Place (SJP) Middle East team, based in the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC). He joined SJP in 2018 in Hong Kong where another of SJP's key international offices resides (Singapore being the third). Since relocating to Dubai in 2023, he has joined the Middle East business, which has more than trebled its number of advising partners to 43 in just two years - a reflection of strong regional tailwinds as the UAE emerges as a key global port for wealth management. With St. James's Place managing over $254 billion in assets under management for more than one million clients worldwide, the FTSE100 firm is navigating its significant growth in the GCC, a region attracting increasing numbers of internationally mobile individuals and high-net-worth expats from the UK and beyond. Originally from Yorkshire, England, Jason has built his career across global waters - from the UK, Qatar, Hong Kong to now the UAE. He is no stranger to Dubai's shores either, having first worked in the city back in 2010, long before the current wave of international wealth surged into the region. Driving Dubai's growth "When I first worked here years ago, the foundations laid by the Dubai Financial Services Authority in respect of the DIFC, were in place, but the regulatory structure has progressed to such a high standard since. The wealth management industry has become more sophisticated and highly regulated, which is one of the reasons St. James's Place, a FTSE listed company, decided to set up here." With a high calibre regulatory system in place in the DIFC, St. James's Place has been able to roll out its personalised, tailored advice to clients in the region. From tax planning to retirement planning, estate planning and expatriate services, the firm is working with a growing list of internationally-mobile clients, and locals, on their financial planning needs. "There is a huge mix of people here, and that's what makes Dubai such a wonderful place," Jason says. "You can walk down the street and hear a number of languages. In particular, we have seen so many people move from the UK due to the recent budget and inheritance tax changes, and these people need advice on how to manage their money - and that's exactly what we offer." "There's going to be a migration of people with a good degree of wealth looking to do something with the money they have made," he adds. "People, particularly from the UK, recognise that we have a such a strong brand in that market, it lends us a lot of credibility with expats moving over." International influx Jason's approach, true to SJP's ethos, is highly personal and precise. No two clients have the same goals and map. So, he prides himself in crafting plans that work in their unique circumstances, considering clients' unique needs and life stages and working them into an individual plan. He joined SJP seven years ago, attracted by the company's range of advice and international investment expertise. "I chose to work for St. James's Place because of the depth of expertise and the calibre of support behind the scenes. I can provide holistic, values - based financial wealth planning, while our Investment Committee and carefully selected fund managers focus on navigating the markets. We have that huge breadth of experience, and that is why we are elevating ourselves here in the UAE." "Here in Dubai, we work with clients who have various needs, considering their tax implications of having assets in different countries to pensions held overseas and the nuances of being internationally-mobile," he adds. "I ask people, 'Where are you today, and where do you want to be in the future?' It's also about enabling people to make the right choices with their money, helping them save for retirement, their children's future educational needs or invest their savings for the future." "It's growing, it's multinational, it has become much easier to live here for overseas nationals, and it's a land of convenience. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a visionary of growth, wants Dubai to be a better place tomorrow than today, and people are inspired by that," Jason says. All on course Jason and his wife Magdalena, SJP's senior executive officer and head of the legal division for Asia and Middle East – have made Dubai their home. "We have truly settled in", he says, "We love living here and are fully embracing life. The culture, the energy, the opportunity - both professionally and personally - are exceptional. Dubai is a place where vision and growth are part of the everyday mindset. It's inspiring to be part of it!" Life in Dubai has enabled Jason to continue his love of sailing and giving back to the community, with SJP Middle East sponsoring the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC). "We sponsor the youth development and the sailing at DOSC and have a huge passion for it," he says. "I've done several presentations about how the world of financial planning is similar to navigating a boat, and it all starts with having a good plan." "I see myself as the captain of the ship, with my team as the crew," he explains. "One of the key lessons in skippering is taking full responsibility - for the boat, the crew, and staying focused on the destination. You constantly review your course, make adjustments when needed, and keep everyone aligned to ensure a safe and successful journey. In our world, the client's financial goals are the destination, and it's our job to navigate the journey together. I'm responsible for guiding my clients, working as a team, and keeping us all on track to reach those goals" To connect with Jason directly, please visit The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner', 'Adviser', 'Partner Practice', or any variations thereof, are marketing terms used to describe representatives of the St. James's Place Group ('SJP Group'). St. James's Place (Middle East) Limited ('SJPME'), is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and is authorised to conduct the Financial Services of 'Advising on Financial Products' and 'Arranging Deals in Investments' Investments' in and from the Dubai International Financial Centre ('DIFC'). DFSA Firm Reference Number F003486. Registered Address: Gate District Precinct Building 03, Units 706, 707 & 708, Level 7, DIFC, United Arab Emirates. SJPME is part of the SJP Group. Members of the St. James's Place Partnership in the DIFC are appointed by and represent SJPME and may facilitate business with other companies within the SJP Group.
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Middle East stands out as a growth outlier amid recession risks, inflation pressures, and policy uncertainty
Dubai, UAE – Against the backdrop of rising global volatility, St. James's Place (SJP), a FTSE-listed global financial advisory firm with over one million customers and $245 billion in assets under management, is urging investors to stay anchored to long-term fundamentals and adopt diversified strategies to weather volatility. Speaking at the Global Economic Outlook 2025 Conference in Dubai, convened by St. James's Place with participation from the BlackRock Investment Institute and The Economist Intelligence Unit, experts presented a sobering but pragmatic view of the world economy. Latest global economic data by The Economist Intelligence Unit forecasts global GDP growth to slow to just 1.9% in 2025, with the United States projected to experience a mild recession and Europe continuing to face weak momentum. Policy uncertainty persists, driven by geopolitical fragmentation, erratic fiscal and monetary policy, and intensifying trade tensions. At the same time, inflation remains elevated, and the US dollar is expected to weaken through 2025–26, ending a decade-long appreciation cycle and setting the stage for shifts in capital flows and asset valuations. It is not all doom and gloom though. Despite the uncertainty clouding the global outlook, the Middle East stands out as a region of relative resilience. The Gulf region is projected to experience steady growth, underpinned by anchored public finances, strong external positions, and a reform-driven policy agenda. Governments are accelerating economic diversification efforts, investing in digital infrastructure, high-tech industries, and productivity-enhancing sectors. Structural reforms continue to improve the region's business and investment environment, boosting its appeal to foreign capital. The UAE now ranks 15th globally in the EICN Business Environment Index—the highest in the Middle East. Empirical data shows that such improvements in business environment scores are often followed by multi-year increases in GDP per capita, investment levels, and FDI inflows. With expanding international trade and investment agreements and a young, growing population, the region is well-positioned to capture long-term capital. "The Middle East is no longer just a diversification play, it has the potential in becoming a more core investment destination," said Angelina Lai, Chief Investment Officer for St James's Place Asia and Middle East. "For investors seeking growth, stability, and structural transformation, the region presents compelling opportunities that cannot be ignored." Looking at the investment landscape, St. James's Place believes that today's volatility will reward investors who combine patience, expertise, and discipline. "Investors today are navigating one of the most complex economic environments we've seen in decade s. High policy uncertainty, fragmented geopolitics, and evolving growth patterns are rewriting the rules of investing,' said Justin Onuekwusi, Chief Investment Officer, St. James's Place. " In this landscape, s uccessful investing requires staying focused on the fundamentals, staying disciplined, and staying resilient for the long term. Good advice is more critical than ever. Every investor has unique goals, time horizons, and preferences — and these need tailored, actively managed strategies, especially during times of uncertainty.' About St. James's Place St. James's Place (SJP) is a leading financial advisory group, with offices across the UK, and internationally in Hong Kong, Singapore and the UAE. Through its dedicated network of financial advisers – the Partnership – the business provides a highly personal, face-to-face financial advice to individuals, businesses and trusts based on their personal needs and circumstances. Founded in the UK in 1991, St. James's Place was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1997 and presently has nearly one million clients with funds of over £190 billion. Since its expansion into Asia in 2014, SJP has become one of Asia's largest wealth management companies serving the local and expatriate communities.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Majority of UK adults underestimate retirement savings needs
A sizable minority of UK adults underestimate how much they need to save for retirement, with many questioning their capacity to accumulate the necessary pension pool for financial security in later life. According to new data from St. James's Place (SJP), three out of five respondents (60%) are unsure whether they will have saved enough to meet a moderate level of living in retirement. The findings, published in SJP's Financial Health Report, revealed a concerning lack of understanding and engagement in retirement planning. The average total pension worth of UK people is £50,923 ($65,828), which is significantly lower than the £500,000 recommended by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) for a modest retirement living. Surprisingly, nearly a quarter (23%) believe they will only need £50,000 or less to retire comfortably, while nearly one-fifth (17%) say they will rely completely on state pension. Lack of Pension Awareness and Engagement A sizable proportion of Americans are still disengaged from pension planning. One-third (32%) say they have no idea how much they have saved, and one-fifth (19%) have never evaluated their pension at all. More over a third (36%) of individuals approaching retirement, aged 55 and up, believe they need less than £50,000 to maintain a decent quality of living, despite projections that this would barely cover a basic lifestyle. The data also revealed that financial planning plays a crucial role in building retirement confidence. Over half (56%) of those with a financial plan feel secure about their future, compared to just 33% without one. However, nearly a quarter (23%) of UK adults say that saving for their pension is not a priority. A Growing Gap Between Savings and Reality In addition to this, the report also highlighted that those approaching retirement are the least confident about achieving financial security. Just 15% of people aged 45-64 believe they will save enough for a moderate standard of living, compared to 32% of 35-44-year-olds and 40% of younger adults aged 16-34. For those already in retirement, the average pension savings across workplace and individual plans sit at £76,151 for 65-74-year-olds and £89,349 for those aged 55-64. These figures fall far short of the £500,000 recommended for a moderate standard of living, let alone the £790,000 required for a comfortable retirement. Alexandra Loydon, Director of Advice Policy & Operations at St. James's Place stated: 'As a society, we face significant gaps in awareness and preparedness for retirement. The shift from defined benefit to defined contribution pension schemes has transferred the burden of saving for retirement onto individuals and, while the introduction of automatic enrolment into workplace pension schemes marked a significant milestone in promoting retirement savings, the harsh reality is that many individuals are facing significant shortfalls. 'It is concerning that many people lack an understanding of how much they need to put aside to fund a moderate or comfortable standard of living in retirement and are not confident they'll reach these standards by retirement. Even among those approaching retirement, confidence is worryingly low.' Call for Action on Retirement Planning The research underscores the urgent need for improved financial education and engagement with pension planning. Loydon emphasises the importance of proactive steps, calling for financial education to be integrated into school curriculums and for reforms to auto-enrolment contributions to help address shortfalls. She added: 'Our research shows that having a financial plan in place builds confidence and engagement with retirement finances. As we move forward, decisive action at a policy, industry and individual level is required, such as integrating financial education into the school curriculum, addressing the current shortfalls in auto-enrolment contributions, and enhancing access to financial advice and guidance to help overcome barriers to retirement planning.' With a substantial portion of UK adults at risk of falling short in retirement, increasing awareness and encouraging long-term financial planning will be critical in closing the gap. "Majority of UK adults underestimate retirement savings needs" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Khaleej Times
28-01-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Providing financial peace of mind: Scott Kerr, Founding Partner, St. James's Place Middle East
Growing up in Newcastle in the UK, financial adviser Scott Kerr has always understood the importance of hard work and financial security. With some financial challenges to overcome in early life, Scott was motivated by the fear of having no money - a sentiment that propelled him into a successful career in finance. Removing that same fear for clients drives him to deliver robust financial planning every day. A Reluctant Career in Banking For over 20 years, Scott worked for the "nasty" banks, gaining insights and experience that would shape his approach to financial advice. His travels took him to vibrant cities like Shanghai, Singapore, Hyderabad, and Boston, MA, enabling him to develop a global perspective on financial planning. Since arriving in Dubai in 2022, Scott has been focused on building a strong foundation for expatriates navigating their financial futures. Scott's diverse experiences across the globe have equipped him with the tools to address the complex planning needs of international clients. Working in banking taught him the intricacies of financial management, as well as the importance of sincere client relationships. As a financial adviser, he has honed these skills to deliver peace of mind and financial stability to clients. Setting Up on His Own Eight years ago, Scott took the bold step of establishing his own practice with the UK's largest wealth manager, St James's Place (SJP). The decision was driven by a desire to form lasting relationships with clients and deliver a more personalised service than most large financial institutions. In the early days, it was just Scott and his dog working from a damp, single-glazed conservatory near the UK's Lake District. Scott has built a dedicated team that continues to grow, helping clients with everything from investment and tax advice to retirement planning. He now works with eight advisers across the UK and UAE, alongside two full-time practice managers and two planners. Across the two markets, they share a common goal: to support clients in making informed decisions about their finances and safeguard their economic futures. St. James's Place, known for providing long-term, client-centric financial advice, has proven a great match for Scott. The FTSE-listed advisory giant, which manages $238 billion in assets worldwide, set up an office in Dubai in 2023 after receiving regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Scott is now a key player in bringing SJP's unique brand to clients across the Middle East, based out of Dubai. Building Financial Security Scott is married to Haley, and together they have four children. The Kerrs have lived in Dubai since March 2022, after a spontaneous two-week holiday turned into a permanent move. Initially not convinced that Dubai was their 'cup of tea', they quickly discovered the region's hidden depths. The family embraces an outdoor lifestyle, spending time on the beach a few times a week, hiking in the mountains, and enjoying the incredible activities that the UAE has to offer. Scott believes a fulfilling life is built on both financial security and lifestyle satisfaction, so works closely with clients on financial strategies that enable people to enjoy their lives today while planning for the future. Financial Empowerment for Expats In the ever-changing world of finance, internationally-mobile expats often face unique challenges. With a broad range of experience, Scott understands these complexities, crafting detailed financial plans that align with his clients' aspirations, regardless of where they plan to live in the future. Whether it's structuring investments, planning for retirement, or managing international tax implications, Scott provides holistic wealth management advice tailored to each client. Scott's approach centres on understanding what matters most to people. By building a close rapport and winning trust, he offers advice designed to help individuals and their families thrive. He believes everyone deserves financial security, allowing them to focus on achieving their goals rather than worrying about their finances. "I strive every day to provide peace of mind for my clients," he says. "Ensuring they have strong financial plans so that they can worry about the important things in life. I'm a caring, people-first person, and I apply this to the world of finance. I enjoy working with people to produce plans to take the stress out of money so they can enjoy better lives." A Commitment to Community Scott's career, spanning 20 years across the UK, Shanghai, Singapore, Hyderabad and Boston, has taught him about the importance of community. As he continues to grow his practice in Dubai, he is committed to developing connections with the broader expat community. As part of this, he is planning to host workshops and informal meet-ups, where individuals can share financial knowledge and support each other on their wealth journeys. Being open, approachable and transparent is a hallmark of Scott's approach. He wants clients to feel comfortable knowing they can reach out to him anytime. As he builds relationships, his mission remains clear: to empower people to take control of their finances and live the best life possible. Let's Have a Cuppa! For those curious about their financial futures, Scott is eager to extend an invitation for a relaxed conversation over coffee. This informal setting is the perfect opportunity to discuss any financial queries or concerns, explore various strategies, and see how his and St. James's Place's services can support individual financial goals. Whether you're grappling with concerns about debt or seeking advice on how to invest the proceeds from a multimillion-dollar business sale, Scott is available to chat and provide a knowledgeable perspective. He works with incredibly successful and wealthy individuals but does not impose minimum thresholds on client investments as he believes everyone deserves access to quality financial advice. In a world where financial advice can often feel intimidating, Scott aims to create a welcoming environment for all. He hopes that his approach can pave the way to a financially secure and fulfilling future. If you're ready to take the next step in managing your finances or want to have an engaging conversation about your options, Scott is looking forward to meeting you and helping you navigate the exciting journey ahead. To find out more about Scott and to connect please go to: To learn more about St. James's Place, please visit The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner', 'Adviser', 'Partner Practice', or any variations thereof, are marketing terms used to describe representatives of the St. James's Place Group ('SJP Group'). St. James's Place (Middle East) Limited ('SJPME'), is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and is authorised to conduct the Financial Services of 'Advising on Financial Products' and 'Arranging Deals in Investments' Investments' in and from the Dubai International Financial Centre ('DIFC'). DFSA Firm Reference Number F003486.
